Lt. Governor Hamilton to General Haldimand. (The letter is written at different timesfrom 22nd September to 3rd October.) State of preparation for his expedition; will take presentsfor the Indians, so as to encourage them to keep watch towards the banks of theOhio. If thewestern Indians resent the invasion of the Americans, it would be a good opportunity to build afort at the forks of the Ohio and Mississippi. Places that might be fortified if the step is approvedof. The Spanish hated; the French fickle; the Americans brave, but without resources. TheIndians can only get theirs through the English; the favorable time should be taken advantage of.The good example of the better class of French; the effect of a reinforcement from Niagara. Willsend account of numbers, &c., and Major Hay and Lieut. DuVernet will report as to thecommunication with the Illinois.
Indian council; report sent, oath of allegiance taken by volunteers, &c.Has written toChevalier at St. Joseph's though distrusting him. Presents to the Shawanese. Arrival of Baubinwith report from the Miamis of Clark with 80 men being at Vincennes and well received by theFrench. The Indians at Ouiattonon timorous; will try to decide them; will cancel the sale of theland by the Peankashaws to the French and Virginians. Gibault, a priest, active for the rebels.Militia sent to the Miamis to repair the carrying place, &c. Reports of Celoron that J. B.Chapoton, Bosseron and Legras are on the best terms with the rebels at Vincennes. Theircharacters. Will set out as soon as possible. Capt. Lernoult will send reinforcements; will usethe time spent in Indian councils at Miami in fortifying the depot, &c. Captain McKee's orderson the Ohio.
Troops may be forwarded to the southward all winter. Stores at the Miamis; will fortify it.The danger of that post being taken by the rebels at Fort Pitt. Will suggest to Capt. Lernoult thepropriety of a detachment at the Miamis from Detroit. The weakness of that post. M.Maisonville the best to give information as to the country through which the expedition is to go.Expects advantages from his knowledge of the Illinois. Messenger sent to the Chickasaws, andto go on to Mr. Stuart. The good spirits of the Indians; no word of the expedition has yet reachedthe Miamis. Delay in repairing the craft; a second brigade will sail on the 5th. The high wagespaid to volunteers. The war song sung (3rd Oct.) by himself, by Capt. Lernoultand severalofficers. Capt. Lernoult cannot spare men from the garrison. The strength in artillery. Will setoff on the 6th.